Characterization of toxocara canis excretory secretory antigen and its application for diagnosis of clinically suspected cases of ocular toxocariasis by western blot analysis

ABSTRACT

Toxocariasis is a frequent heluminthiasis that can cause visceral and ocular damage in humans. The present work represents three cases of suspected ocular toxocariasis [OT]. Complaining of visual impairment. Ocular toxocariasis was suspected based on clinical manifestations. Diagnosis was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The identification of specific antigen of Toxocara canis is important in order to develop better diagnostic techniques. Toxocara excretory secretory antigen [TES] was prepared and it was characterized by SDS-PAGE. A characteristic pattern of nine bands was achieved. These bands were at [17, 26, 32, 35, 45, 55, 70, 90, and 120] KDa. Components of T. canis ES antigen [TES] were identified by sera of clinically suspected cases of ocular loxocariasis [OT] by using [WB] analysis. The identified proteins were grouped into one low molecular weight fraction [26-35 KDa] and one high molecular weight fraction [55-90 KDa]. These antigenic bands could be considered as a guide for the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis. Systemic albendazole was given conjunction with steroids Treatment resulted in an improved visual acuity in all patients